Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As part of the priority that is accorded by the IDA and by Government policy, it is the aim to have the vast majority of jobs spread outside of the capital city. Yesterday, the Government approved grant assistance for an expansion of an industry in Tipperary. In general, unemployment in the south east is down from more than 20.1% in 2012 to 11.9% at the end of 2014. There are 23,200 additional people in employment from the south-east region since the launch of the Government's action plan back in 2012. There was an 18% increase by 2014 in firms supported by the south-east local enterprise office. The Minister of State, Deputy Halligan, informs me that a comprehensive proposal will be put together for the south east. People from Tipperary were represented at a meeting held in Kilkenny recently where the presidents of WIT and Carlow IT and others came together to focus on what they can do collaboratively to continue to make the area more attractive as a location for investment. This involves local authorities, Enterprise Ireland, the IDA, other NGOs and organisations, chambers of commerce and so on.

Revenue from overseas visitors increased by 20% to more than €200 million between 2011 and 2013. In the hospitality sector, the south east is going to add immeasurably to Ireland's Ancient East in the time ahead. There is a lot of activity. The Action Plan for Jobs continues and is monitored by my Department. It is Government policy to spread the vast majority of new jobs outside the major cities. The broadband proposal, opportunities for power, communications and water are all things that are important in making a location attractive. As Deputy Martin said this morning, the importance of young graduates coming through from third level colleges is an added incentive and bonus there. Deputy McGrath can take it that the south east, no more than any of the other region, is a focus and a particular priority for the Government and will continue to be so.

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